Almost 50% of motorists want EV lessons before switching from ICE

Nearly half of drivers say they want lessons in using an electric car before making the switch to an EV.

A recent Startline Used Car Tracker survey showed that 46% of motorists would require help in getting a charger installed at home ahead of making the transition to an EV.

The same proportion wanted training on how to use public charge points ahead of making the transition, as well learning how to maximise the life of their car’s battery. The findings also showed that 30% of buyers would want lessons on using their EV’s main features.

Finally, 29% of the survey’s respondents would like further education on how to drive their electric car efficiently, while 14% want information on which features – such the HVAC – use the most power.

The Startline Used Car Tracker is a monthly report compiled by Startline Motor Finance. This latest March 2025 edition was compiled by asking 302 consumers and 58 dealers across the United Kingdom.

Startline CEO, Paul Burgess, commented: “Switching from a petrol or diesel car to an electric one is a big change for most people, and this research indicates they are nervous about the prospect and looking for support. They want to know that they’ll be able to charge at home, help to operate public charging and just simply how to use their new electric car – and they would like the dealer selling the vehicle to provide all of this.

“Some dealers are aware of this desire among customers and can provide some or all of these services as part of a comprehensive electric car buying experience. However, they are probably in the minority and more could or should be done by car retailers.”

The March 2025 Startline Used Car Tracker also found that the average price difference between EVs and their ICE counterpart has fallen from 51% to 18% since 2019. Further findings showed that 18% of those asked would buy an EV if it were priced the same as a petrol or diesel car; 18% would be willing to pay a 10% more to go all-electric, and 17% would be happy to pay that 20% premium.

Burgess added: “On the used market, many electric models are moving towards or have hit price parity with petrol, so most of the people surveyed should not find the price a barrier to purchasing. Interestingly, only 7% of the motorists we spoke to said they would never buy an electric car, showing how resistance to the technology is now very low.”